Here, a selection of misconceptions on science and technology that have been concluded due to a lack of communication between esoteric frontline scientists and researchers and laid back lay public. As KAISTians, the cases put forward may seem obviously wrong, but keep in mind that these marked a change, albeit small, in the course of economics, health education, food culture, advertising, and so on. One could think that everybody already knew about these, but apparently not. So, ask the deeper question: why all these misconceptions?

Does Cell Phone Use Cause Brain Cancer?

In 2011, World Health Organization (WHO) classified mobile phone radiation as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic), placing it alongside engine exhaust and cigarette smoke. At the time of this classification, WHO admitted the possibility of a mechanism through which radiation could cause cancer, but their results were not definitive. Further studies have shown that possible effects of extended cell phone use are reduced sperm count and cancer risk (more specifically, brain cancer). Again, these studies do not have conclusive evidence that places mobile phone radiation as the primary cause of such effects. Considering that mobile phones have only become commonplace in the last few decades, it will still take a few more decades until long-term studies can be completed to show a direct cause and effect.

The radio frequency radiation from phones does affect humans but the severity of the exposure is still questionable. Whether the radiation is life-threatening or not has yet to be determined. The general consensus, however, is that precautionary measures should be taken while the dangers of radiation are still unknown. As such, many phones come with hands-free earphones to minimize the amount of time your phone is directly touching or near your head. Even though it may not be a necessary precaution, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Electric Fans: Silent Assassins?

It may be news for international students, but Koreans or foreigners who have lived in Korea for extended periods of time probably have heard of the “killer fan tale.” Rumor is that if one was to sleep in an enclosed space with an electric fan on, he or she risks dying. This story hit the media a few years back and the Korean media covered it feverishly. At a certain point, even the news was warning the public not to sleep with a fan on. Many people still believe in this and defend the validity of it; however, the truth is that this myth is nothing but a tall tale.

Most people would probably be surprised to know that this myth has been around since the 1930s and has since then been disproved multiple times. The two most common justifications for the myth are fatal heat loss and irregular airflow due to the machine’s operation. However, ultimately the fan only uses the air in the room, making drop in body temperature or suffocation from a carbon dioxide overdose any more possible than when sleeping without a fan. Most authorities agree that the more likely cause of death is due to the heat of the summer, in tandem with the sleeper’s alcohol intoxication.

Sending the Wrong Message about MSG

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is probably the most well-known case of a wrongly accused substance. Present in many processed foods that are both popular, accessible, and affordable, such as instant noodles, MSG’s alleged symptoms range from headaches to flushing, sweating, numbness, and nausea. Its list of allegations goes on in length, and movements, campaigns, and commercial advertisements highlight the “no MSG” in their food or beverage to appeal more to the misinformed customers. They, in turn, formulate their own opinions, judgments, and perhaps even prejudices about the harmfulness of MSG before engaging themselves in a minimum endeavor of research - say, looking up what WHO has to say about MSG. The answer, predictable enough, is that MSG is a safe food ingredient.